Storage and display racks



March 29, 1960 J. w. HOOVER 2,939,486

STORAGE AND DISPLAY RACKS Filed Dec. 16, 1957 s Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.JOHN W HOOVER A TTOPNEYS March 29, 1960 J. w. HOOVER 2,930,486

F/G' 7 2k 2 l7-| mlm u mlm 2:38 4| V \M 4 INVENTOR. 4| JOHN W HOOVER BYI 3% r% ATTORNEYS 4 March 29, 1960 J. w. HOOVER 2,930,486

STORAGE AND DISPLAY RACKS Filed Dec. 16, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 F/GJOIlllm INVENTOR.

ATTORNVS JOHN W HOOVER spective purchasers.

TC RAGE AND DISPLAY RACKfi .l'eisn W. Hoover, Los Aitos, Calif.,assignor to Fibrehoard Paper Products Corporation, San Francisco, Caiii,a corporation of Deiaware Applieation December 16, 1957, Serial No.703,006

13 Claims. (Cl- Ill-=44) The present invention relates to storage anddisplay racks which may be utilized individually or connected in groupsand arranged in various configurations for displaying a plurality ofelongated objects. More particularly this invention relates tomerchandising racks which are adapted to be positioned in variousreadily attachable and detachable display assemblies in a show room orstore and in which a supply of rolled flexible floor coverings, such asfelt-base hard-surface linoleum rugs or the like, may be displayed in anupright position for ready access by prospective customers.

The present invention also relates to connecting and display means forracks of this invention which performs the dual function of drawingattention to the objects displayed in the rack assemblies as well assecuring adjacent racks together in various display arrangements. Theconnecting and display means desirably includes advertising legends orthe like which attract the attention of prospective buyers and add colorto the rack display.

it frequently is the present practice for floor covering merchandisersto store rolled rugs of the linoleum type on the fioor of a show room orstorage room. Because the rugs to be sold generally are produced invarious distinct patterns and colors, a large quantity of such rolledrugs normally must be kept on hand by the merchandiser to satisfy thewants of the buying public. When such rugs are stored in roll form onthe floor, a lar e quantity of fioor space is utilized in that such rugrolls frequently are 12 feet or more in length. in addition, when aquantity of rugs are laid on the show room floor, it is extremelydifficult for prospective buyers to acquaint themselves with thepatterns of the various rugs. The prospective buyers, as a result, havedifiiculty in choosing a rug to their liking.

Generally individual linoleum rugs are encased in separate elongatedtubes of paperboard or the like which protect the rugs from damage. Oneor both ends of the protective tubes frequently are open, however, andit is possible to withdraw a rug from an associated tube to ascertainthe pattern and color thereof. Withdrawing of a rug from the protectivetube often results in rug damage. To preclude rug damage, a display cardwhich indicates the pattern and color of the encased rug may bepositioned on each protective tube thereby precluding the need forremoval of the protective tube by a prospective buyer attempting todetermine the pattern and color of the rug in the tube. However, when asupply of rugs are laid on the floor, such display cards cannot readilybe seen and the purpose of the cards is thereby defeated to a largeextent.

One object of the present invention is the provision of rug displayracks which may be used individually or in various groupings to displayand store a plurality of rolled linoleum type rugs, which are encased inprotective paperboard tubes, in upright position for ready access bypro- Such racks maintain the rolled rug supply upright so that a displaycard on each protective tube, which indicates the color and pattern ofthe rug V Patented Mar. 29,1960

therein, is accessible for consideration by the buying public.

The objects of the present invention also include the provision of rackswhich prevent damage to individual I rugs, which frequently results whena supply of rugs are indiscriminately stacked one on the other on afloor, while at the same time releasing a large quantity of floor spacewhich heretofore frequently was used in displaying or storing a supplyof rugs on the floor.

Further objects of the invention include the provision of storage anddisplay racks which are relatively inexpensive to manufacture fromreadily available materials; which are provided with oblique extensionswhich adapt a plurality of racks for grouping in various novelarrangements to draw attention to the product displayed; which aresubstantially identical in construction; which are reversibe tofacilitate grouping of the racks in numerous novel fashions; and whichincorporate means for facilitating insertion or removal of individualrolled rugs relative to the racks while protecting the lower ends of therolls against damage.

Referring now to the drawings which illustrate a desirable embodiment ofthe present invention:

Fig. l is an isometric view of a desirable embodiment of a display racklooking at the back of the rack and illustrating the open frameworkconstruction thereof.

Fig. 2 is an end view of the rack looking in the direction of arrow 2 inFig. 1. a

Fig. 3 is a plan view of a rack secured to a wall or like structure bysuitable clamping means.

' Fig. 4 is a vertical section taken in the plane of line 44 of Fig. 3illustrating one form of clamping means by which a rack may be securedto a wall or like structure.

Fig. 5 is an isometric view of two racks embodying the present inventionarranged in end to end V formation and secured to a supporting wall andextending outwardly therefrom.

Fig. 6 is a plan view illustrating a plurality of racks arranged instraight line end to end relationship and maintained against a wall orlike supporting structure.

Fig. 7 is a plan view of a pluralityof racks arranged in an island typedisplay configuration.

Fig. 8 is a paln view of the ends of two adjacent racks interconnectedby fastening and display means including an advertising legendsupporting staff.

Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the fastening and display means used inFig. 8 showing an advertising legend'displayed thereon.

Fig. 10 is an isometric view of the lower section of the fastening anddisplay means of Fig. 9 showing clamping means securedthereto.

Fig. 11 is a plan view similar to 8 which shows two racks connected byanother type of fastening means. i

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken in the plane of line 1212 of Fig. 11showing a desirable form of fastening means. I

Fig. 13 is a plan view of two racks of the present invention connectedin straight line end to end relationship.

Fig. 14 is a vertical section taken in the plane of line 14-44 of Fig. 7illustrating fastening means for connecting adjacent ends of two rackswhen the racks are arranged in an island type display.

Fig. 15 is an end view of a rack illustrating schematically a desirablemanner of inserting a rug thereinto.

Referring to Fig. l, the rear of a reversible storage and display rack 1of this invention is shown which desirably comprises vertically spacedupper and lower longitudinally extending elongated frame members 2 and2'. The longitudinal frame members 2 and 2 are substantially identicalin size and shape and desirably each is in the form of an oblique angledparallelogram which desir- 3 ably takes the form of a rhomboid. Thevarious parts of the rack framework may be produced economically andeasily from numerous commercially available material but desirably'metalrod, such as plated steel rod, is used which imparts an openworkconfiguration to the racks.

The upper and lower longitudinal frame members 2 and 2 includevertically spaced front rails 3 and 3' re spectively and verticallyspaced rear rails 4 and 4 re.- spectively. Rails 3, 3', '4 and 4'desirably are parallel to each other. Front rails 3 and 3' and rearrails 4 and 4' cooperate to provide spaced front and rear compartmentforming means of the rack which cooperate with partition members, to bedescribed, which provide a plurality of rug receiving rack compartments.

Opposite ends of the longitudinal frame members 2 and 2 formlongitudinally extending projections which include longitudinalextremities or end rails 6 and -7 and e 6' and 7",;respectively. Endrails 6 and 7 and 6' and 7' are inclined or oblique relative to therespective front and rear rails of the frame members but are parallel toeach other. Because of the elongated configuration of the longitudinalupper and lower frame members 2 and 2 the completed rack itself has anelongated configuration, and accordingly, the end rails of the framemembers 2 and 2' are substantially shorter inlength than the front andrear rails thereby imparting a rhomboid configuration to the framemembers 2 and 2'.

As shown in Fig. 2, the upper and lower longitudinal frame members 2 and2' lie in planes which are substantially parallel to each other butwhich are inclined relative to thehorizontal when the rack is positionedon a horizontal surface, such as a floor. 'Desirably each of the framemembers 2 and 2' extends downwardly from the rear of the rack to thefront of the rack, for a purpose to be set out hereinafter. That is,each, of the front rails 3 and 3' lies in a plane on a lower level thanits associated rear rail 4 or 4. 1

A plurality of spaced partition members are connected with thelongitudinal frame members 2 and 2 and extend transversely therebetween.The transverse partition members desirably are rectangular inconfiguration and extend upright between" frame members 2 and 2' andform a plurality of walls or partitions 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 16,respectively, which divide the completed rack into a plurality ofseparate compartments, each of which is adapted to receive and maintaina rolled linoleum rug or like object in upright position. The partitionmembers and longitudinal frame members may be secured together in anyconventional manner and desirably are welded together at their points ofcontact with each other thereby imparting an open frameworkconfiguration to the rack.

As best shown in Figs. 1 and 3, theopposite ends of longitudinal framemembers 2 and 2' project longitudinally beyond the partitions 8 and 1dat opposite ends of the rack. These projections of the frame membersterminate in the longitudinal outer extremiites or end rails mentionedpreviously whichextend parallel to each other but which extend obliquelyrelative to the end partitions.

Desirably, the projections at opposite ends of the rack are provided asintegral extensions of the longitudinal frame members but, if desired,such projections may be separate elements which may be fixedly connectedto the upright members of end partitions 8 and 16 in parallel, inclinedrelationship. Desirably, each projection, whether separate or anintegral part of the longitudinal frame members, is substantiallytriangular in configuration to.

provide the obliquely extending mentioned previously.

' Although seven transverse partions are formed by the upright partitionmembers in the illustrated embodiment, thereby producing six separaterug receiving compartments, any number of partitions and compartmentsmay end rails or extremities be provided in a rack to meet a particularneed. Desir- 7 ably, each of the compartments is substantially square inhorizontal cross-section so that the rug. rolls are maintained inupright position without tilting. However, if

desired, each compartment may be somewhat transversely elongated incross-section (as shown in Fig. 3) to facilitate insertion of a rug Rthereinto. Desirably, however, the cross-sectional dimensions of thecompartments are only slightly larger than the diameter of the rug rollsto be inserted therein.

Certain .of the transverse partitions have vertical extensions whichprovide legs upon which the rack is supported in an upright operativeposition. 'Desirably the opposite end partitions 8 and 16 and the centerpartition 12 are formedwith such vertical extensions both at the top andbottom of the partitions (see Figs. 1 and 2). That is, each of thepartitions 8, 12 and 16 extends vertically above and below theintermediate partitions 9, 11, 13 and 14. It is upon such partitionextensions that the display rack is supported on the floor or similarsurface of a show room. Stated in another way, each of the endpartitions 8 and 16 and middle partition 12 is longer in a verticaldirection than the remaining partitions of the rack so that theintermediate partitions 9, i1, 13 and 14- do not contact the racksupporting surface when the rack is in operative position.

Desirably all but end partitions 9 and 16 include compartment separatingmeans in the form of two laterally spaced parallel transverse uprightpartition members which cooperate to provide a two piece partition. Eachof the upright partition members desirably is formed from bendable metalrod such as that used in producing longitudinal frame members 2 and 2'.Each partition member possesses a substantially rectangularconfiguration which has elongated vertically extending parallel frontand rear sections, which are connected to frame members 2 and 2', I

. separating means of the type described, each rug, because of the smalldiameter of metal rod used to form the par tition members, normallywould be positioned very close to the rug in the adjacent compartment.When a rack is filled with rugs, it would be extremely ditficulttoremove an individual rug from the respective compartments of the rackbecause of the proximity of the rug to be re moved with adjacent: rugs.

By providing each of the intermediate partitions 9, 11,

12, 13 and 14 with two spaced upright partition members,

a clearance spaceis formed between adjacent compartments (see Fig. 3)which provides adequate finger or hand room to facilitate removal of anindividual rug R from a filled rack. As a result, hands may be insertedon diametrically opposite sides of a rolled rug R and the rug may beeasily grasped for removal from the rack. The spacing of adjacentcompartments also facilitates insertion of rugs into the rack.

' The upright partition members of end partitions 8 and 16 and centerpartition 12 each desirably is provided with a vertically extendingguide rod member, designated 3C, ltiC and 12C respectively, whichextends upright between the short top and bottom transverse sections ofthe. rectangular partition members. rods 3C, 12C and 16C impartsadditional strength to the partitions which form the legs of the rackand also serves as a means to facilitate insertion of the rugs into therack and to preclude distortion or damage to the bottom ends of the rugrolls. Because of the two piece construction of center partition 12, aguide rod 12C is provided in each dle partition 12 form supporting legswhich contact the Each of the guide surface uponwhich the rack rests.Because the rack desirably is bottomless, if the person handling the rugrolls is not careful, rug rolls which are inserted in the compartmentsformed by such partitions may be placed with their bottom ends partlyresting on the bottom transverse rod sections of the partitions ratherthan entirely upon the flat floor surface which supports the rack as isintended. That is, in the absence of the vertical guide rods 8C, 12C and16C, if a rug roll were tilted longitudinally of the rack duringinsertion into a compartment formed by either of the partitions 8, 12 or16, it would be possible for the rug roll to rest partly on the floorand partly on one of the transverse horizontal bottom sections 8D, 12Dor 16D which form part of the vertical bottom extension of partitions 8,12 and 16.

In such case the end of the rug might be torn or deformed due to theweight of the rug resting on the tilted end. The upright guide rods 8C,12C and 16C eliminate the possibility of a rug resting on any one of thebottom transverse rod sections 8D, 121) or 16D of the partition legextensions. As a result, each rug rests on a fiat surface and all theweight of the rug is supported by the longitudinal frame members 2 and 2desirably is lower than the corresponding rear rail of the framemembers. By positioning the upper front rail 3 in a lower plane than theupper rear rail 4, it is possible for an elongated rolled linoleum rugto be inclined or tilted relative to the rack during insertion of therug into the rack. As a result, less head room is required to allowalong rug roll to be placed into the rack; that is, less clearance isrequired between the top of the rack and the room ceiling than would berequired if the front and rear rails of the upper longitudinal framemember were positioned in the same horizontal plane. Because rugsdisplayed in racks of the present invention frequently are quite long,rack structure which allows tilting isdesirable to facilitate insertionof rugs into the rack. The manner of inserting a rolled rug into a rackcompartment by inclining the rug roll relative to the rack isschematically shown in Fig. 15.

Because the vertical extensions of end partitions 8 and 16 and middlepartition 12 protrude both above and below the adjacent intermediatepartitions 9, 11, 13 and 14, racks of this invention are reversiblethereby allowing them to be positioned in various display arrangements.The oblique end projections and the bottomless construction of the rackmake reversing and rearrangement of a rack possible so that such rackmay be connected in various end to end display groupings with otherracks.

For example, if the rack shown in Fig. 1 is rotated 180 about an axisextending longitudinally of the rack, the rack then would be resting onthe extensions of partitions 8, 12 and 1-6 which originally were the topextensionspthat is, the extensions which are opposite bottom extensionswhich include transverse sections 8D, 12D and 1613. However, the rear ofthe rack would still be facing the viewer because longitudinal rail 3'would occupy the position occupied by longitudinal rail 4 as viewed inFig. 1. Also, as a result of the reversal, the oblique projections onthe rack ends would extend in a direction positions merely by rotatingit about its vertical or longitudinal axis. The reversiblecharacteristics of the racks of this invention are particularlydesirable when the racks are used in the various display arrangements tobe discussed hereinafter.

Because of the elongated, relatively narrow nature of each of the racks,it generally is desirable to fasten the same to the floor or wall of ashow room to prevent the weight of the elongated rolled rugs R fromtoppling the rack over when the rack is filled. Figs. 3 and 4 illustrateone manner in which a single rack may be secured to the wall of a showroom. The rack may be maintained in place by any conventional fasteningmeans, but desirably an apertured plate 17 having a hook shaped end 18which fits around the rear rail 4 of the upper longitudinal frame member2 is used. Plate 17 is secured to the wall by a wood screw 19. Aplurality of similar plates may be spaced along the length of the rackand engaged with upper and lower rear rails 4 and 4'.

It frequently is desirable to space the rack from the wall of a roomrather than against the wall to provide clearance space for the end ofthe inclined rug roll and to facilitate insertion of the roll into therack. This is so because the rack open framework makes it possible toincline the roll to a substantial angle relative to the vertical and toextend the end thereof between rear rails 4 and 4 and beyond the backsurfaces thereof before the roll is positioned vertically. 1

Clamping fasteners of the type shown in Fig. 4 may be used to secure theextensions of partitions 8, 12 or 16 to the floor of the room when therack is spaced from the wall.

In accordance with the invention, a plurality of racks may be arrangedin various novel display assemblies to maintain a large number of rugsin easily accessible position.

Fig. 5 illustratesa desirable display grouping which includes two racksarranged in a substantially V-shaped end to end arrangement with theoblique end rails of cooperatively arranged longitudinal projections ofthe longitudinal frame members 2 and 2' connected together in parallelrelationship. If desired, several pairs of racks could be arranged inthe V-shaped manner shown in Fig. 5 thereby providing a saw-toothdisplay grouping. The projections opposite the parallel mating ends ofthe racks desirably are secured to a supporting wall in any convenientmanner, such as by fastening means of the type shown in Fig. 4, toimpart stability to the display. To position two racks so that theinclined end rails of the adjacent projecting ends are parallel anddownwardly inclined as shown in Fig. 5, it is necessary to manipulatethe reversible racks in the manner described previously until such endrails are parallel so that they may be fastened together.

When the racks are positioned in the V-shaped display shown, the racksare connected against separation. De-

sirably the novel and useful connecting and display means illustrated inFig. 9 is used to secure together the cooperating oblique extremities orend rails of adjacent racks in the display grouping.

The connecting and display means shown in Figs. 9 and l0 desirablycomprises an upright staff 21 which is formed from sturdy, yet bendable,metal rod.v Staff 21 includes an angular upper section 22 which extendssubstantially normal thereto and which has a tip 23 extending uprightfrom the end thereof. Positioned on the upper section 22 and maintainedthereon by tip 23 is display means, desirably in the form of a flagmember 24, on which may be printed various advertising legends whichdesignate the maker, price and like matter for the rugs positioned inthe rack.

Extending from the bottom end of staff 21 and desirably extending at anobtuse angle relative thereto is a lower section 26 which includesclamping means for securing the advertising stalf to adjacent displayracks as shown in Fig. Desirably, the angle of inclination of 3' lowerextremity 26 relative to staff 21 corresponds substantially to the angleof inclination of longitudinal frame members 2 and 2 of the racksrelative tothe horizontal when the racks are supported on a horizontalsurface. As aresult, staff 21 is Substantially vertical and parallel tothe supply of rugs R positioned in the racks (see Fig. 5). Extendingbetween the end of the lower section 26 and the flag staff 21 is areinforcing rod member 27 which imparts rigidity to the staff. Flagstaii 21, upper and lower sections 22 and 26, and reinforcing rod 27 maybe formed from a single rod bent to the configurati shown or fromseveral rod sections connected together by welding or brazing.

Desirably, the clamping means secured to the lower section 26 of theflag staii includes two spaced clamping plates 29 secured thereto by anyconventional means, such as welding or brazing. Each clamping plate hasa spaced intermediate curved section or channel 3t} positioned on eachside of a flat central plate section 31. Flat section 31 of each plateis connected to lower section 26 of staif 21 by welding or brazing.Laterally extending iiat end sections 32 of each plate 29 have holes 33provided therein. Clamping plates 29 are intended to engage with hatplates 34 adapted to underlie (see Fig. 9) the bottom surfaces ofcooperatively arranged projection extremities of adjacent racks andmaintain the same connected. 1

Each of the fiat plates 34 has transverse holes therethrough alignablewith the holes 33 in clamping plates 2). The curved channels 30 of theclamping plates 29 engage the top portions of adjacent projectionextremities of the parallelogram shaped rack frame members with flatplates 34 positioned on the under side of each of such projectionextremities. Bolts 36 pass through the aligned openings in plates 29 and3d (see Fig. 9) and nuts 37 are threaded thereon to retain the adjacentracks in end to end substantially contacting relationship as shown inFig. 5.

Desirably, the bottom longitudinal frame members 2' of adjacent rackspositioned in a V-shaped display also are secured together and clamps ofthe type shown in Figs. 11 and 12 or in Fig. 14 may be used for thatpurpose. The clamps of Fig. 14 will be described later. The

clamps of Figs. 11 and 12 include a centrally apertured upper plate 38having parallel channels 39 spaced on each side of the aperture and afiat centrally apertured lower plate 4%. Channels 39 are positioned overthe end rails or extremities of adjacent lower frame members and fiatplate 40 is positioned against the bottom of the end rails andmaintained in place by a bolt 36 maintained in the aligned holes ofplates 39 and at) by nut 37. If desired, the clamps of Figs. 11 and 12could be used to fasten adjacent upper frame members in place of theflag stafi connecting and display means described previously.

Fig. 8 shows a modification of a V-shaped display arrangement which isadapted to be positioned in the corner of a room or the like. In suchcase, a fastening means of the flag staff type or other fastening meansmay be used.

Because of the oblique projecting ends provided, adjacent racks may befitted flush in the corner thereby presenting a neat display appearancewhile filling the corner and precluding any waste of corner space. Ifthe adjacent racks Were not provided with the oblique projections shown,an unbalanced corner display would result which would require morecorner space and present a less neat appearance. However, as describedpreviously, on occasion it is desirable to space the racks from thewalls to provide a clearance space to facilitate insertion of rugs. Ifdesired, the racks of the V-shaped display similarly may be spaced fromthe respective converging walls which form the room corner. When racksare to be connected for positioning in a corner manipulation or reversalof adjacent racks is necessary to bring adjacent end rails into properparallel relationship to allow connection of the racks by appropriatefastening means.

8 "Another display arrangement is shown in Figs. 6 and 13 in which aplurality of racks are maintained in straight line end to endrelationship. In such arrangement, adjacent racks may be securedtogether with clamps of the type shown in Figs. 11 and 12 or by flagstaff display means of the type shown in Fig. 9. If flag staffconnecting means are utilized, the upper section 22 thereof may betwistedso that it extends at substantially right angles to thelongitudinal axis of the aligned racks, as shown in Fig. 6. The flagstaff 21 is formed from sturdy metal rod but such a rod also isdeformable to allow twisting thereof if it is so desired.

The oblique arrangement of the end rails or extremities of the'rackprojections and the reversible characteristics of the racks also. aredesirable when the racks are to be used in a straight line arrangementof Fig. 6. Because the racks are each reversible and usable in severalpositions relative to a reference surface, the rack oblique projectionsmay be matched for connection together by manipulating or reversing theadjacent racks until the extremities are parallel and positionedproperly for securing together. To preclude tipping of the displayassembly, fastening means of the type shown in Fig. 4 may be used tosecure the racks directly to the wall or to the floor at a locationspaced from the wall.

Another embodiment of a display arrangement which may be utilizedinvolves the positioning of four display racks in the arrangement shownin Fig. 7. Such arrangement consists of a substantially diamond shapedisland type formation in which oblique extremities of two adjacent racksare secured in substantially contacting parallel relationship while theother contacting ends of theracks are secured in substantially limitedcontact by fastening means desirably in the form of interfitting clampsof the type shown in Fig. 14.

Each of the clamps comprises a U-shaped member 41, the arms of whichhave aligned holes therethrough. Bolt 42. desirably extends through thealigned holes of the interfitted clamping members 41 when positioned asshown in Fig. 14 and such bolt is maintained in place by nut 43. When anisland display of the type shown in Fig. 7 is provided, it generally isunnecessary to fasten the racks to the fioor or walls of the room inthat the island construction itself possesses sufficient stability topreclude toppling of the display when a large number of rugs arepositioned in the racks. If desired, flag staff connecting means of thetype described previously may be utilized to connect the parallelextremities of adjacent For purposes of illustration, the oppositeobliquely extending extremities of the projecting ends of theparallelogram shaped longitudinal frame members 2' and 2 of each of theracks are shown extending at substantially a 45 angle relative to thelongitudinal axis of the rack and to the end partitions 8 and 16. Thisenables positioning of adjacent racks in end to end relationship to forma right angle therebetween whereby the racks may be positioned flush ina corner or spaced from the walls forming the cornerin the mannerdescribed previously.

The angle at which the end rails extendyhowevcr, is not critical and maybe varied as desired to meet a particular need. For example, withrespect to the display arrangement shown in Fig. 5, less floor spacewould be utilized in such display arrangement if the angle of theoblique end rails of the adjacent racks is substantially less than 45.That is, if such angle is of the order of 30, the racks forming the legsof the V-shaped display may be brought more closely together. When theangle of the oblique end rails is less than 45, the racks of theV-shaped display form anacute angle while an obtuse angle is formed itthe angle of the oblique end rails is greater than 45.

The foregoing description discloses one desirable embodiment of a rugdisplay rack of this invention as well as several desirable displayarrangements in which the rack may be utilized. Other displayarrangements and other structural modifications for the rug displayracks may become apparent to one skilled in the art and as a result thisinvention should be interpreted in light of the appended claims.Furthermore, other materials may be used to produce the racks withoutdeparting from the spirit of this invention and other floor coverings,such as carpets and the like, and other elongated objects may bedisplayed in racks embodying this invention.

I claim:

1. A portable and readily attachable and detachable display rackassembly for maintaining elongated rolled rugs or the like in uprightposition comprising a plurality of racks each of which is usableindependently of the others arranged in end to end relationship; each ofsaid racks comprising longitudinally extending spaced front and rearcompartment forming means, a plurality of partition members extendingtransversely of said comparatment forming means and rigidly connectedtherebetween and dividing said rack into a plurality of separate uprightcompartments, and projections extending longitudinally beyond thepartition members at opposite ends of said rack, the longitudinal outerextremities of said projections extending substantially parallel to eachother and obliquely relative to said end partition members; said racksbeing arranged in one of various predetermined display groupings withadjacent oblique extremities of adjacent racks being cooperativelypositioned in substantially parallel relationship; and removableconnecting means engaging such cooperatively arranged projections ofadjacent racks to preclude inadvertent separation thereof, whereby saidracks may be maintained in said one display grouping for displaying saidrugs.

2. A portable and readily attachable and detachable display rackassembly for elongated rolled rugs or the like comprising a plurality ofsubstantially identical reversible open framework racks arranged in endto end relationship; each of said racks comprising vertically spacedlongitudinally extending oblique angled parallelogram shaped framemembers, a plurality of upright members rigidly interconnected with saidframe members and extending transversely therebetween, said uprightmembers providing partitions which divide the rack into a plurality ofseparate upright compartments each of which is adapted to receive arolled rug to maintain the same in upright position, the ends of saidparallelogram shaped frame members projecting beyond the partitions atopposite ends of said rack with the outermost extremities of said endsextending obliquely relative to said partition; said racks beingarranged in one of various predetermined display groupings with adjacentoblique extremities thereof cooperatively positioned in substantiallyparallel relationship; and removable connecting means engaging adjacentcooperatively arranged extremities of adjacent racks to precludeseparation thereof whereby said racks may be maintained in said onedisplay grouping for displaying said rugs.

3. A reversible, multi-position storage and display rack for rolled rugs'or like objects comprising an open framework rack body definedsubstantially entirely by metal rods, said body comprising a pair ofupper and lower longitudinally extending frame members of substantiallyequal size each of which is in the shape of an oblique angleparallelogram, a plurality of substantially rectangular partitionmembers extending transversely of said frame members and rigidly securedthereto whereby said rack is divided into a plurality of separate rugreceiving compartments each of which has a substantially squarelongitudinal cross section, certain of said partitions includingextensions providing legs for supporting said rack on a horizontalsurface whereby said compartments may extend substantially vertically,said longitudinal frame members being substantially parallel to eachother and being inclined downwardly toward the front of the rackrelative to the horizontal when the rack is supported on such surfacewhereby rug insertion is facilitated, the ends of said frame membersextending beyond the partition members at opposite ends of said rackswhereby two spaced generally triangular, inclined projections areprovided at each rack end, said rack being adapted to be connected toanother similar rack in a display grouping by arranging said rackrelative to said other rack so that the projections at adjacent ends ofsuch racks are inclined in the same direction with the outer extremitiesof such projections positioned substantially parallel to each other.

4. An assembly comprising a plurality of attachable and detachable rugor the like display racks connected together in end-to-end relationshipand providing a display rack grouping; each of said racks comprisingpairs of longitudinally extending spaced front and rear compartmentforming members, a plurality of partition members extending transverselyof said compartment forming members and secured therebetween wherebysaid rack is divided into a plurality of separate compartments, each ofsaid front compartment forming members lying in a plane below andparallel to the plane of its associated rear compartment forming memberwhen the rack is supported on a horizontal surface with saidcompartments extending vertically whereby insertion of rugs into therack is facilitated and said rack is imparted with a reversiblecharacter, said compartment forming members including continuationsthereof which extend longitudinally beyond the partition members atopposite ends of the rack and provide generally triangular projections,the outer extremities of said projections extending substantiallyparallel to each other and oliquely relative to said end partitionmembers, said projections being inclined relative to the horizontal whenthe rack is sup ported on a horizontal surface; said plurality of racksbeing arranged in one of various predetermined display groupings withadjacent oblique extremities of adjacent racks being cooperativelypositioned in substantially parallel similarly inclined relationship;and connecting means engaging such cooperatively arranged projections topreclude inadvertent separation thereof whereby said racks aremaintained in said one display grouping.

5. The rack assembly of claim 4 wherein the number of racks in saiddisplay grouping is at least two and wherein said racks are securedtogether in a substantially V-shaped arrangement.

6. The rack assembly of claim 4 wherein the number of racks in saiddisplay grouping is at least two and wherein said racks are securedtogether in a substantially straight line arrangement.

7. The rack assembly of claim 4 whereinthe number of racks in saiddisplay grouping is four and wherein said racks are secured together ina substantially diamond shaped arrangement.

8. A display rack for rolled rugs or like objects comprising an openframework rigid rack body defined substantially entirely by metal rods,said body comprising pairs of longitudinally extending spaced front andrear compartment forming members, and a plurality of partition membersextending transversely of said compartment forming members and rigidlysecured therebetween whereby said rack is divided into a plurality ofseparate compartments, each of said front compartment forming memberslying in a plane below and parallel to the plane of its associated rearcompartment forming member when said rack is supported on a horizontalsurface whereby insertion of rugs into said compartments from the frontof the rack is facilitate-d, certain of said partition members includingupper and lower extensions above and below said compartment formingmembers whereby supporting legs are provided, said rack being reversibleand positionable on either said upper or said lower extensions agascnse1 1 whereby rugs maybe inserted-vertically into saidcompartmentsirrespective ofthe position of said rack.

9. An elongated reversible open framework storage and display rack forrolled rugs or like objects-comprisingvertically spaced elongatedlongitudinal frame memhers, each of said longitudinal frame membersbeing substantially in the-shape of an oblique angled parallelogram;aplurality-of partitions extending transversely of said longitudinalframe members and dividing said rack into a plurality ofseparate-compartments; certain of said partitions each comprising twosubstantially parallel upright members which are spaced from each other,such partition members separating adjacent compartments of said rack andproviding finger room vtherebetween to facilitate insertion of objectsinto and removal of objects from suchadjacent compartments; the ends ofsaid longitudinal frame members-projecting beyondpartitions at ppositeends of said rack and terminating in extremities which extend obliquelyrelative to such end partitions, whereby said rack may. be cooperativelyconnected in end to end relationship in various display groupings withother similar racks,

10. A multi-position, reversible metal rod storage and display rack formaintaining elongated objects in anupright position, comprisinglongitudinally extending spaced front; and rearcompartment formingmembers, a plurality of partitions extending transversely of saidmembers and spacedly located therealong and fixedly secured theretowhereby a plurality of separate object receiving compartments areprovided in said rack, and means projecting longitudinally from oppositeends of said rack whereby said rack may be matingly engaged with anothersimilar rack in a predetermined one of many display groupings; saidmeans comprising at least one projection extending from each of saidrack opposite ends, each of said projections including a longitudinalouter extremity which extends obliquely relative to said partitions; theouter extremities of said projections being sec'urabl'e in substantiallyparallel relationship with an outer extremity of another similar rackwhen such racks are employed in such predetermined display grouping.

11. The storage and display rackof claim 10 in which a pairof verticallyspaced projections extend longitudinally from each of said rack ends,each of said projections being inclined relative to the horizontal whenthe rack is arranged in operative position with said partitionsextending generally vertically.

12. A multi-position reversible metal rod storage and display rack forrolled rugs and like elongated objects comprising vertically spacedelongated longitudinally extending frame members, and a plurality ofupright partitions extending transversely of said longitudinal framemembers and fixedly secured thereto and dividing said rack into aplurality of separate object receiving compartments; certain of saidpartitions each comprising two longitudinally spaced partition formingmembers which extend generally parallel to each other, such partitionforming members separating certain adjacent compartments of said rackfrom each other by a predetermined distance and providing finger roomtherebetween to facilitate insertion of objects into and removal ofobjects from such adjacent compartments; at least some of saidpartitions providing legs for supporting said rack in the operativeposition on a generally horizontal supporting surface.

13. The storage and display rack of claim 12 in which each of said lastmentioned leg providing partitions includes an intermediate guide rodextending upright between said rack longitudinal frame members forprecluding tilting of objects positioned in the compartment definedthereby.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS366,051 Weatherley July 5, 1887 454,328 Buchholz June 16, 1891 902,361Yell Oct. 27, 1908 1,995,574 Metz Mar. 26, 1935 2,222,190 Wolf Nov. 19,1940

